TRENDnet launches 450Mbps wireless router

"It's the fastest 2.4Ghz wireless router to date in close-range throughput tests," says Steve Middleton, TRENDnet product manager at Phoenix Software, TRENDnet's local distributor. "Advanced Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology with threespatial streams per antenna generates a maximum wireless throughput of 450Mbps; Gigabit Wide Area Network and Local Area Network ports transfer wired data fast, while embedded GREENnet technology reduces power consumption."

The router includes four LAN ports (for network Ethernet-ready devices) and one WAN port (to be connected to the internet, for example, via a broadband modem). These ports are gigabit, meaning they are capable of delivering wired connection speeds up to 1000Mbps. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) integrates other WPS-supported wireless adapters using a button, a feature that allows for quickly adding a client to the wireless network.

Wireless encryption and secure firewall

The router has an array of LEDs on the front; each shows the status of the network ports on the back as well as that of the internet connection and the WPS. The WPS LED blinks green as you push the WPS button on the side of the router and shows the time window that a WPS-enabled client can be hooked up to the network.

"The latest in wireless encryption and a secure firewall protect your digital network, and WMM Quality ofService technology prioritises gaming, internet calls, and video streams," adds Middleton.

He goes on to explain that it's really easy to set the router up: "Basically, once you have connected the router to a computer via its LAN port and the broadband modem via its WAN port, your home network is done and set up with the default settings. You then can further customise this by pointing your browser to the router's IP address, which by default is 192.168.10.1. The router's web interface is responsive and works with any browser, and has a clear indicator that shows the process of changes that are being applied to the router's settings. Apart from allowing you to change the basic networking settings, the interface gives you access to the more advanced features, such as access control, which allows restricting certain computers in the network from certain internet services such as web browsing, emailing, and chatting."

Other advanced features include virtual servers, which allow you to make computers in the network able to host a service, such as FTP or HTTP; and gaming, which prioritises internet traffic for certain games; among others.